BURBANK, Calif. -- March 17, 2005 -- Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment will join NBC Universal Television Studio and Magical Elves Productions on NBC's new "Treasure Hunters," an unscripted "quest" series that will feature teams of treasure-hunting competitors who will use folklore, fantasy and actual history as clues to solve a complex puzzle.

"We are thrilled to partner with Imagine Television and Madison Road Entertainment," said Gaspin. "This is an ambitious project that is clearly in the right hands with this impressive producing and storytelling team."

"I can't wait to get started," said Nevins. "We thought a lot about what Imagine might bring to the reality television arena, and we think that with this idea and the terrific production team that has been assembled, we will be able to create an exciting event series."

"Madison Road and Imagine Television partnered to raise the bar in reality TV," said Mazza, "and we are thrilled to be combining those efforts with NBC."

As previously announced, multi-player teams will be sent on a global quest to solve the puzzle and the first team to uncover all the clues will be given the location of a hidden treasure. The show will focus on the solving of the puzzle instead of the race.

In addition, there will be an online component allowing web-savvy viewers to get more involved in the show.

The network has ordered 10 episodes of the series and contestant selection will begin soon. The broadcast date of the series will be announced at a later date.